Over the weekend it was confirmed that Ian Holloway would be looking for a new member of coaching staff at Queens Park Rangers as Curtis Fleming had completed a move back to Middlesbrough.
Having spent time as a member of Ollie’s backroom staff for the last 14 months, on Sunday it was confirmed he was heading back to Middlesbrough where he spent over a decade as a player.
Despite enjoying himself at Loftus Road and wanting that to be known, the pull of returning to the club that gave him so many memories during his playing days was too much ultimately and as he departed he couldn’t praise Holloway or QPR more for their understanding of the situation.
Speaking to the Official Site he explained.
‘I have loved my time here. The gaffer, the staff and the fans all have so much passion for the club and it reminds me of Middlesbrough in many ways because the place has such a family feel to it.’
Between 1991 and 2001 Fleming made over 300 appearances for the side, but he admitted it wasn’t just the playing links that led to his departure, he does have a young family in the North East so greater proximity to them obviously figured in his decision and he explained his ‘family home’ is 20 minutes from their training ground, so receiving the offer it was almost a no brainer on a number of levels.
‘I sat down and spoke with Ollie about it, and he was brilliant. He understands my reasons and has been fantastic about it. I genuinely wish Ollie, Birch, Les and everyone at the club all the very best for the future. I want to thank the gaffer for giving me the opportunity to work here. QPR has a great name in football so for me to have the chance to work here has meant a lot.’
Not the best timing from the club’s point of view, but Ollie has been in the game long enough to have a useful book of contacts and I’d imagine the feelers went out as soon as Fleming spoke to him.
